Child Sexual Abuse
Diane H. Schetky
Child Sexual Abuse
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Handbook for Health Care and Legal Professions
by Diane H. Schetky
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you discovered a secret that nobody wanted to talk about? Imagine facing fears and finding courage in the darkest moments. But what happens when the truth is harder to face than anyone imagined?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction addresses the difficult and sensitive topic of child sexual abuse, aiming to raise awareness and foster understanding among readers aged 9-12. The story handles challenging themes with care, but parents should be aware that the material may be distressing for some children and is best approached with guidance. It serves as a starting point for important conversations about safety and healing.
Why we rated Child Sexual Abuse 11IE
Child Sexual Abuse is written at a Level 6 reading level across 264 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Child Sexual Abuse works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Child Sexual Abuse as 11IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Child Sexual Abuse.
Thematically, Child Sexual Abuse explores child sexual abuse, coming of age, family, and emotional healing — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about child sexual abuse, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Child Sexual Abuse
Christopher Bagley
Child Sexual Abuse
Christopher Bagley
Child sexual abuse
Angela Lewis
Child sexual abuse
Angela Lewis
Childhood sexual abuse
F. Felicia Ferrara
Childhood sexual abuse
F. Felicia Ferrara
Child Abuse
Susheela Bhan
Child Abuse
Susheela Bhan
Sexual Abuse
Roger J. R. Levesque
Sexual Abuse
Roger J. R. Levesque
Child survivors and perpetrators of sexual abuse
Mic Hunter
Child survivors and perpetrators of sexual abuse
Mic Hunter
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781138009493
- Pages
- 264
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Group
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction